Jason Bright wins opening V8 Supercars race in Auckland

Holden veteran Jason Bright took out the opening race of this weekend's V8 Supercars round in Auckland after five-time champion Jamie Whincup's retirement with mechanical issues.

Whincup started from second on the grid and had the jump on polesitter Bright to take an immediate lead in the 100-kilometre race at Pukekohe, but was unexpectedly forced out midway through with steering issues.

The 31-year-old had been eager to put an end to his early-season woes after a poor showing at the last round in Winton sent him from second to fifth on the championship standings.

Whincup has a new engineer this season in David Cauchi, with the man who helped guide him to all five of his previous titles - Mark Dutton - promoted to team manager at Red Bull Racing Australia.

Bright's victory was his second successive in Auckland, having won the final race of last year's round in New Zealand.